The absolutely cheapest is Free-to-air satellite, which I have been using with much satisfaction. You don't get all the networks, but I do enjoy PBS and similar channels, which are free, and LEGAL.
See FTA Channels for a complete listing.

In the days of VCR's, TV stations said you could not record their programs. Media companies still say you must buy separate copies of the same music and videos when using a different devices. They say 'ripping' CD's that you bought is illegal. Satellite companies say you follow their rules to the letter.

Maybe yes. Maybe no. More realistically, if you don't violate the DMCA, you are pretty safe.

* * * *

Has anyone suggested OTA satellite content? It really is free.

Personally, I only have satellite for the kids. I get all video, print and music over Internet. I won't be going back.

You can screw the big companies all you want. Just remember all of us who play fair and play by the rules are paying for all the cheats. Don't worry, someday Karma will rear it's ugly head, and those of us who have done the right thing will be watching the others twist in the wind.

God knows I have done my share of dumb stuff but as I get older I try to do less. Now you know why it cost so much as they need to recover for all the cheaters out there

rv2go wrote:About the cheapest satellite TV solution I know of is to have a family member or close friend that has Dish or Direct TV allow you to use one of their receivers. Pay them the monthly cost for the extra receiver. You will not be able to get the local channels while traveling, nor subscribe to the east/west feeds. You will get the feeds from the time Zone of the home service.

rv2go wrote:About the cheapest satellite TV solution I know of is to have a family member or close friend that has Dish or Direct TV allow you to use one of their receivers. Pay them the monthly cost for the extra receiver. You will not be able to get the local channels while traveling, nor subscribe to the east/west feeds. You will get the feeds from the time Zone of the home service.

rv2go,
We've been doing that exact plan, for about 6 months now and it's worked pretty darn well. That is until our "Kingdome" just stopped finding the Satellite a few days ago. We've had on and off pretty good luck with this Kingdome but, it may have just given up the ghost and it's barely 4 years old. Not sure what we'll do next.
Scott

We have Dish and when I talked to the tech about using it in the MH, he said just take the DVR with me and find the Sat and use it. I asked him about using it in Colorado and he said that I may not get local channels but it should work fine. Never said it was a problem using it away from home.

I am about to take it to my kids house, about 120 miles away and see how it works. Let you know in a couple of weeks. I have a used Dish antennae which my local guy said should work fine.

I have had Direct and would say Dish is the best Company to be with....Arnold

rv2go wrote: have a family member or close friend that has Dish or Direct TV allow you to use one of their receivers. Pay them the monthly cost for the extra receiver.

Hmm, let's see, I pay a monthly fee of around $100. Some friend asks me to let him use my spare receiver (that's just lying around collecting dust) for, what, $5 a month? I get to pay the $100, violate the terms of use, and he gets all my programming for $5.

Is THAT the plan we're talking about? I hope I never have a friend who would ever ask that of me.

rv2go wrote: have a family member or close friend that has Dish or Direct TV allow you to use one of their receivers. Pay them the monthly cost for the extra receiver.

Hmm, let's see, I pay a monthly fee of around $100. Some friend asks me to let him use my spare receiver (that's just lying around collecting dust) for, what, $5 a month? I get to pay the $100, violate the terms of use, and he gets all my programming for $5.

Is THAT the plan we're talking about? I hope I never have a friend who would ever ask that of me.

LOL, you just said what we were all thinking. With friends like that, who needs enemies.

To the OP, if you're going cheap then the best option is the batwing, HULU, Netflix's and Readbox or stay at a park with cable TV. At 5-10mpg the TV will the least of your money issues.

Re: My previous post about Free-to-air satellite, and reference to "cheaters".. Please be aware that free-to-air satellite IS NOT CHEATING. It is free, as named, is legal (read the info on the web), and dishes/ receivers are available legally everywhere. There is nothing shady or illegal about FTA satellite reception. Try it, its great !